Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Turkey
Approval Date: 2005
Thesis Language: English
Student: Mert Kayasü
Supervisor: AYDAN BALAMİR
Abstract:Mardin̕s unique stone architecture has evolved within various ethnical and religious communities. Regardless of its hybrid nature, with the effect of topography, the fabric has a uniform character. The interventions made to the city during the last century have repeated fragments of stereotype apartment building instead of sustaining traditional typologies (building types with living unit, aiwan, arcade, terrace and courtyard). Typological difference of these interventions has caused an incongruous hybridization and deterioration in the fabric. Hybridization in architecture, for Felipe Hernandez, is not only diversity of architectural styles and materials. Furthermore, it is a cultural issue related with changes in the society. Mardin confronts hybridization because the traditional buildings are incapable of embracing contemporary functions. This has been exemplified with Gözü House and neighboring buildings. Late interventions are distinguished from the historical ones according to typological differences. This study accepts hybrid as a problem but also as a fact; thus aims to regenerate it. The historical types, accepted as original, are interpreted with a contemporary sense in reference to debates on sustaining urban form with new buildings and theories on typology which define it as open to creativity, vague in form and reproducible. This is exemplified by a proposal, an infill in the fabric. Spatial sequence of the proposal refers to traditional plan typologies while these spaces embrace contemporary functions and their architectonic expression refers to contemporary architecture. So, in relation to the facts of the present context the proposal fulfills its spatial expectations while respecting physical context.